Sales growth at Asda ground to a near-standstill in the final quarter of the year, but the Walmart-owned supermarket still posted improved profits in a “very weak consumer environment”.

The retailer reported a 0.1 per cent rise in like-for-like sales in the 14 weeks to January 5, leaving sales up 1 per cent for the year as a whole.

Andy Clarke, the chief executive, said: “We’re pleased with our results in a tough market. We continued to grow our sales while also investing in holding down the price of essentials, increasing access points to Asda’s value and putting money back